Next book

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GRANNIES

An offbeat look at modern-day grannies that is bound to elicit a chuckle or two.

An encyclopedic, humorous study of grannies, expressed through a series of questions that most readers would have never even thought of posing.

Even though this book has heavy stock pages and thick board covers, it is anything but a board book for babies. Indeed, certain levels of maturity and sophistication are required of readers to fully appreciate this whimsical approach to grannies. Questions such as “How flexible are grannies?”; “Why do grannies travel on buses?”; and “…exactly how old are grannies?” are answered with cartoon illustrations and clever humor. For example, in the first scenario, a granny is depicted performing some admirably flexible exercises indeed. The second is answered with an acknowledgment that they are often seen on buses and an honest “But nobody knows where they go.” In the third, three spry-looking grannies pose as the text states: “Some grannies are 58…some are 69…and some are even 87!” Originally published in French, the text in Hahn’s translation ably incorporates rhyme (“slippers” / “flippers”) and puns (“And when it’s time to rest, they slip on some Grans N’ Roses…”). Grannies are depicted in all sorts of outfits, hairdos, and hair colors, and a list of granny nicknames includes some ethnically specific ones, but all are white as the paper they are printed on.

An offbeat look at modern-day grannies that is bound to elicit a chuckle or two. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-776572-43-4

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Gecko Press

Review Posted Online: June 15, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2019

Categories:
Next book

WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.

Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)

Pub Date: May 1, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019

Next book

PAPA'S COMING HOME

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.

For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary.

The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make “welcome home” signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a “seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting.” Much to Daddy’s bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa’s favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house (“Papa’s Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch”). Like the author’s actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white.

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: May 20, 2025

ISBN: 9780593693988

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025

Categories:
Close Quickview